Does endoscopic carpal tunnel release have a higher rate of complications than open carpal tunnel release? An analysis of published series

Citation
Meh. Boeckstyns et Ai. Sorensen, Does endoscopic carpal tunnel release have a higher rate of complications than open carpal tunnel release? An analysis of published series, J HAND S-BR, 24B(1), 1999, pp. 9-15
Citations number
69
Categorie Soggetti
Ortopedics, Rehabilitation & Sport Medicine
Journal title
JOURNAL OF HAND SURGERY-BRITISH AND EUROPEAN VOLUME
ISSN journal
02667681 → ACNP
Volume
24B
Issue
1
Year of publication
1999
Pages
9 - 15
Database
ISI
SICI code
0266-7681(199902)24B:1<9:DECTRH>2.0.ZU;2-L
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reported rate of complication s after endoscopic carpal tunnel release by means of an analysis of 54 publ ications, reporting a total of 9516 endoscopic and 1203 open releases. Endo scopic release was comparable to open release in the rate of irreversible n erve damage (0.3% and 0.2% respectively) but case reports may indicate a sm all risk of unacceptable complications with endoscopy, such as transection of the median nerve. Reversible nerve problems were more common after endos copic release. Tendon lesions were extremely rare (0.03%) and the rate of o ther complications (reflex sympathetic dystrophy, haematoma, wound problems , etc.) was about the same with endoscopic as with open release.